If you’re a beer fan, you know that beer has come a long way. With over 9,700 breweries across the U.S. today and beer sales reaching about 2.82 million cases in 2022, there’s more variety than ever.1
But some classic beers, once loved and widely enjoyed, have faded away and are no longer on shelves. As the number of breweries and new beers keeps growing, it’s easy to forget these lost favorites.
1. Schmidt Beer
- Started: 1936
- Stopped Production: Early 2000s
Schmidt Beer was an affordable, local favorite in the Midwest and had a reputation for its bold can designs featuring wildlife and nature scenes. While Schmidt kept its loyal fans, competition from more popular brands and the rise of craft beers chipped away at its market.
By the early 2000s, production stopped, but Schmidt did see a brief revival in certain regions, though it hasn’t regained its former popularity.
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2. Bud Dry
- Started: 1989
- Stopped Production: 2010
Bud Dry was once one of the main beers in the Budweiser lineup, known for its “Why ask why? Try Bud Dry” slogan. But after Bud Ice hit the scene in 1994, Bud Dry’s marketing slowed, and its popularity dipped.
By December 2010, Bud Dry was discontinued by Anheuser-Busch. It hasn’t made a comeback, but it still has a place in Budweiser history as a dry-style lager.
3. Falstaff
- Started: 1838
- Stopped Production: 2005
Falstaff was a top beer brand in the U.S. during the 1960s, popular at games and barbecues. But when its last brewery closed in 1990, Pabst took over and continued making it on a smaller scale.
By 2004, sales had dropped to only 1,468 barrels, leading Pabst to discontinue Falstaff in 2005. The brand has not returned to shelves since then.
4. Milwaukee’s Best Premium
- Started: 1895
- Stopped Production: 2021
Known as a budget-friendly beer, Milwaukee’s Best Premium saw its production end in 2021 when Molson Coors decided to cut back on lower-end beers.
The “Ice” and “Light” versions are still made, but the original recipe is no longer available.
5. Meister Brau
- Started: Early 1930s
- Stopped Production: 1978
Meister Brau was once well-loved, but poor management and debt led to trouble by the early 1970s.
Miller bought the brand in 1972, repackaging Meister Brau Lite as the famous Miller Lite, and using the Meister Brau name as a budget option. The original brand shut down in 1978 and has not made a comeback since.
6. Ballantine Ale
- Started: 1840
- Stopped Production: 2014 (original version)
Ballantine Ale’s recipe changed many times over the years, with lower bitterness, less hops, and milder flavors than before.
In 2014, Pabst reintroduced Ballantine IPA with a new recipe inspired by the original. Though this version is different, it serves as a modern tribute to the old classic.
7. Dixie Beer
- Started: 1907
- Stopped Production: 2020
Dixie Beer had a long history in New Orleans and was a local favorite. However, it faced challenges over the years, especially after Hurricane Katrina damaged its brewery.
When it finally came back, public perception and shifting cultural values led to a name change—Dixie rebranded as “Faubourg” Beer in 2020 to avoid any negative associations. So, while Dixie itself is no longer on the shelves, it lives on with a new name.
8. BrewDog’s “Hoppy Christmas”
- Started: 2014
- Stopped Production: 2020
“Hoppy Christmas” was a seasonal release from BrewDog that became a holiday favorite for IPA fans. However, after 2020, BrewDog decided to focus on different seasonal beers and ended production of this specific one.
BrewDog’s constant rotation of new flavors and styles meant that “Hoppy Christmas” had to make way for fresh options. You might still see BrewDog experiment with holiday brews, but “Hoppy Christmas” as you knew it is unlikely to return.
9. Stroh’s Beer
- Started: 1850
- Stopped Production (Original Brewery): 1999
Stroh’s was a beloved brand in the Midwest, known for its rich brewing history. Unfortunately, an attempt to revitalize the brand led to steep financial losses, and it couldn’t keep up with larger breweries.
In 1999, Stroh’s sold its labels to Pabst and Miller to avoid bankruptcy, and the original Detroit brewery closed. In 2022, Pabst reintroduced a version of Stroh’s in Detroit, giving fans a taste of the classic once again.
10. Miller High Life Light
- Started: Early 1990s
- Stopped Production: 2021
Not to be confused with Miller Lite, this was the lighter version of Miller’s “Champagne of Beers,” Miller High Life. However, it didn’t make much of an impression, even among fans, and sales were low.
In late 2021, Molson Coors decided to retire Miller High Life Light due to a lack of consumer interest. It hasn’t returned, and it’s unlikely to see a revival anytime soon.
As new breweries and styles continue to pop up, it’s nice to remember these old favorites and the memories they gave us. Who knows—maybe one day, some of them will make a comeback.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.